A different image of the Greek Armed Forces is expected to be showcased at the military parade on October 28 in Thessaloniki, with new weapons systems, unmanned platforms, and air defense assets joining the traditional mechanized units. The full dress rehearsal held on Thursday, October 22, along the Thessaloniki–Moudania national highway offered a first glimpse of the equipment being prepared for the national anniversary. Among the most anticipated highlights are systems linked to the “Shield of Achilles” defense architecture, the Patroller and V-BAT unmanned aerial vehicles, the naval drones “Pyrpolitis” and Corsair, and Spike NLOS guided missiles. The program also includes flybys by Rafale and F-16 Viper aircraft, while counter-drone systems are set to feature prominently.
October 28 parade: “The Dome” and air defense systems
At the center of the new showcase are systems linked to the country’s planned air defense architecture, known as the “Shield of Achilles.” These include reported presentations of elements from the Israeli-made SPYDER and David’s Sling systems. SPYDER is a mobile air defense system developed by Rafael, available in multiple variants that differ in range and configuration. Its mobility and rapid repositioning capability allow air defense coverage to be adapted based on operational requirements. Also expected to be presented is the Drone Dome, a system specifically designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles — a distinct category from systems intended to engage combat aircraft or larger missile threats.
Patroller and V-BAT: Surveillance unmanned aerial vehicles
A significant portion of the parade is expected to feature unmanned aerial vehicles that enhance surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities. The French-made Patroller UAVs, built by Safran, are designed for monitoring, reconnaissance, and targeting support missions, with the ability to loiter for extended periods over areas of interest. The French manufacturer has confirmed that Greece has ordered four such aircraft. Also set to be showcased in Thessaloniki are Shield AI’s V-BAT UAVs, which take off and land vertically without requiring a conventional runway. These systems are already in use by Army units on the islands of Lesbos and Rhodes, and in June a new agreement was announced to expand Greece’s V-BAT fleet, with missions focused on maritime surveillance in the Aegean.
“Pyrpolitis”, Corsair, and other unmanned platforms
Unmanned surface vessels will also feature prominently, with the Greek-developed “Pyrpolitis” and the American Corsair by Saronic representing different approaches to the use of autonomous maritime platforms. In the case of the Corsair, emphasis is placed on fully autonomous operation, while the presence of both systems highlights the capabilities being explored to strengthen the Hellenic Navy. Additional expected participants include the Camcopter S-100 and ALTUS A900 unmanned helicopters, Orbiter 3 drones, the “Archytas,” and smaller UAVs. Also set to be presented are “ANTAIOS,” an unmanned ground vehicle designed for support missions, and “HARPYIA,” a one-way attack aerial vehicle.
Spike NLOS missiles and the Rafale and F-16 Viper flybys
Among the weapons systems expected to stand out are the Spike NLOS guided missiles, capable of striking targets well beyond the direct line of sight. The first systems have already been deployed on islands in the Eastern Aegean, and they operate using electro-optical and infrared guidance, allowing the operator to identify the target and maintain control throughout engagement. Their use can be integrated with data from other sensors and forward observers. On the aviation side of the parade, flybys by F-16 Vipers and Rafales are anticipated, along with a ground display of air-launched weapons. Rounding out the picture is the Greek-developed “Kentauros,” a counter-drone system that has already gained operational experience after being installed aboard fleet vessels. This year’s event is thus set to combine tanks and armored vehicles with surveillance assets, air defense systems, and precision strike capabilities.
